Serena Williams stole the spotlight during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, but not everyone was here for it. As the tennis icon busted out the Crip Walk while Lamar performed his viral hit “Not Like Us,” social media exploded with reactions—some cheering her on and others stirring up drama.
But before the critics could get too loud, Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams’ husband, stepped in to defend her. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Reddit co-founder shut down the hate, reminding everyone that this wasn’t the first time Williams has been criticized for the same dance move.
Serena Williams Addresses Super Bowl Appearance: “End Of Story”
Ohanian Claps Back at the Haters
Ohanian wasted no time addressing the backlash, first calling the halftime show “pretty fantastic.” But as the internet debate heated up, he got even more direct.
“Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago and it shows… This is bigger than the music.”
To back up his point, Ohanian posted a screenshot from a 2012 article in The Week, where journalist Jason Whitlock slammed Williams for doing the Crip Walk after winning Wimbledon. The piece read:
“Yes. Her dance was the height of disrespect: Williams ‘deserved to be criticized and she should’ve immediately apologized,’ says Jason Whitlock at Fox Sports. What she did ‘was akin to cracking a tasteless, X-rated joke inside a church.’”
The criticism she faced then mirrors some of the reactions now, proving that no matter what Williams does, some folks will always have something to say.
Stephen A. Smith Sparks Controversy with Divorce Comment
While Ohanian was uplifting his wife, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith stirred the pot with a bold take on the situation. During Monday’s episode of First Take, Smith said that if he were in Ohanian’s shoes, he would consider divorce over the situation.
“If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his a–, ‘cause clearly you don’t belong with me,” Smith said, sparking laughter from his co-hosts.
Smith’s comment set social media ablaze, with many fans calling him out for disrespecting Serena and making assumptions about her intentions.
Serena Williams Unbothered by the Drama
Despite the noise, Williams seems completely unbothered. She took to social media to share a clip of her Super Bowl moment, adding a playful caption about how she would’ve been fined if she had done the dance at Wimbledon.
“Had I done this at Wimbledon, I would have gotten a fine,” Williams joked on her Instagram story.
While critics argue over the meaning of her Super Bowl cameo, Williams is living her best life, showing once again why she remains one of the most iconic figures in sports and pop culture.
FAQs
Why did Serena Williams dance during the Super Bowl halftime show?
Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, dancing to “Not Like Us.” The moment quickly went viral, sparking both praise and criticism.
What did Alexis Ohanian say about Serena Williams’ Super Bowl appearance?
Ohanian defended his wife, reminding critics that she had faced backlash for the same dance 13 years ago. He called the moment “bigger than the music.”
Why is Serena Williams’ Crip Walk controversial?
Williams first did the Crip Walk after winning Wimbledon in 2012, leading to criticism that the move was inappropriate for such a prestigious event. The debate resurfaced after her Super Bowl halftime performance.
What did Stephen A. Smith say about Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian?
Smith said that if he were Ohanian, he would have considered divorcing Williams for appearing to troll her ex, Drake, during the show. His comments received major backlash online.
Did Serena Williams respond to the controversy?
Williams appeared unbothered by the drama, sharing her Super Bowl clip on social media with a playful caption about how she would’ve been fined if she had done the dance at Wimbledon.
What was the significance of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl?
Lamar’s track is widely seen as a Drake diss track, leading some fans to speculate that Williams’ appearance was a subtle jab at her rumored ex.
Conclusion: Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Stay Winning
No matter what the haters say, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian are unbothered and standing strong. While social media continues debating her Super Bowl halftime show moment, Williams is enjoying life, and Ohanian is making sure she gets the respect she deserves.
Love them or hate them, this power couple isn’t going anywhere.
What do you think about Serena Williams’ Super Bowl appearance? Let us know in the comments!
